How to Say "effective" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “effective” is “efectivo” — use 'efectivo' when referring to something that produces a successful or desired result, like a strategy or a medicine..
efectivo
eh-fek-TEE-voh/e.fekˈti.βo/
Examples
La nueva estrategia de ventas ha sido muy efectiva.
The new sales strategy has been very effective.
La cifra efectiva de asistentes fue de cien personas.
The actual figure of attendees was one hundred people.
Necesitamos una solución más efectiva para este problema.
We need a more effective solution for this problem.
Adjective Agreement
Like most Spanish adjectives, 'efectivo' must match the noun it describes in both gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural). For example: 'solución efectiva' (feminine singular) or 'resultados efectivos' (masculine plural).
Confusing Adjective and Noun
Mistake: “Using 'el efectivo' to mean 'the effective one' when describing a feminine noun.”
Correction: Always use 'efectiva' if the noun is feminine (e.g., 'la técnica efectiva'). The noun 'el efectivo' always means 'cash'.
poderosa
poh-deh-ROH-sah/po.ðeˈɾo.sa/
Examples
Esta es la aspiradora más poderosa que hemos comprado; limpia todo.
This is the most powerful vacuum cleaner we've bought; it cleans everything.
La nueva fórmula química es increíblemente poderosa contra las bacterias.
The new chemical formula is incredibly potent against bacteria.
Choosing Between 'Efectivo' and 'Poderoso'
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